New Jersey Recognizes Designers

Washington, DC, Oct. 23--New Jersey Governor James McGreevey has signed the state¹s new interior design title act, making New Jersey the 24th U.S. jurisdiction to legally recognize interior design. Eight Canadian provinces also legally recognized the profession. The new law requires registrants to meet specific education and experience requirements set by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and pass the NCIDQ exam. Qualifying interior designers will be certified for a period of two years. Registrants who wish to renew their certification will be required to complete continuing education credits during the two years preceding the expiration date of their certificates. To view the title act in its entirety, visit the New Jersey Legislature¹s website at www.njleg.state.nj.us. The new law is the result of the efforts of the New Jersey Coalition for Interior Design Legislation. Phyllis Moore, chairperson of the American Society of Interior Designers¹ (ASID) legislative advisory council said, ³The New Jersey title law will raise the accountability and professionalism of interior designers and will directly benefit New Jersey consumers. Interior designers must be knowlegeable about many issues, including flammability ratings of fabrics and finishes, ergonomics, building codes and the Americans with disabilities act. Because of these issues and others impacting the public¹s health, safety and welfare, ASID felt that it was imperative that New Jersey join the 23 other U.S. jurisdictions which register interior designers.²

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